Page 3 | Great North Run - logistic tips

HippyDays · 2023-08-30T12:22:04+00:00

I am doing the GNR - I have never done a proper race before. Training has gone to plan (so far!) and I have read all the official stuff that has been sent to me. But I’m still feeling woefully unprepared about ^things^. I don’t know what those ^things^ are! If I had to get up and run 13.1 miles, I’d be ok - I know what to eat/drink, I know what I’ll wear etc. But it is the transport, the toilets, the finish, spectator plans - all that stuff that I feel clueless about. And there will be things that I don’t even know that I don’t know… Aiming for about 2:30-2:40 finish time, staying near Tynemouth and getting the metro in. My friend is coming with me to support and plans on picking me up at the finish in the car to head home. So what do you think I need to know? Thank you!

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 10:57

Remona · 30/08/2023 20:49

I did it several years ago and I honestly don’t remember exactly where I parked but I do know that I parked in South Shields and there were loads of double decker buses put on specifically for the runners to take you to the start and to take people back into central Newcastle afterwards. It was very well catered for. I remember being worried beforehand but didn’t need to be.

With regard to needing the loo, I remember reading beforehand about people going to the loo in the bushes and I thought “Nah!”. You will be waiting forever and even when the race starts, you’ll be so far back that it’ll take you ages to even get to the start line. You’ll pee in the bushes so don’t worry about it. I certainly did and countless others too.

The feeling as you go down the last hill and onto the seafront for the home straight is indescribable. Good luck and just enjoy it!

Reassuring to hear your worries are unfounded.

Am now worrying that I will be peeing in a bush 😂

OP posts:

gamerchick · 04/09/2023 10:58

Trying to get a car even close to the finish line is an utter nightmare OP as are the queues for the metro back. They go right down ocean road.

Your friend could possibly park in Asda south shields and walk down if she gets there early enough. It's a bit of a trek though.

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:02

WhatNowBarry · 31/08/2023 10:06

My biggest tip is to make time for a poo if you need it!! When I run at home round my own streets, I have a banana sandwich for fuel, then half an hour later I need to go to the toilet, and then I am absolutely ready to go. The GNR morning timings were all out for me and I was standing at the start line wishing I'd been able to go for a poo. So give yourself enough time for that, above all else!

I've only done it once and that was last year. I got off the metro at Haymarket and it's only a five minute walk through the grounds of Newcastle University to the park where you will find the baggage buses and the pens where they gather you in your various waves. It took quite a long time to get through this section last year, and I ended up almost running to the start and actually clambered through a fence with others to get to my start position as the gun had already gone off and we were collectively in a slight panic. So, my advice is to give everything longer than you might imagine you need, get to the start line and then you can relax before you set off. There might be a bit of waiting around but it's a lovely atmosphere and it will settle any nerves just to be around everyone who is feeling just like you.

TAKE A DISPOSABLE CARDI! If you are going to be waiting around, a thin old cardi is a godsend. I wore a tatty old thing over my running stuff and threw it off to the side just before the start. All discarded clothes get collected and taken by charities or to be recycled, so don't worry about that. Lots of people do it, and it really does help. Yes also to the binbag advice in a previous reply, if it's raining.

Oh, very important - don't try to keep up with everyone at the start! I went off so fast trying to keep up and was knackered after the first mile. In fact I really overestimated (underestimated?) my time and thought I would finish in 1 hr 45, but those in my wave were constantly passing me, not just at the start but the whole way round, and were probably more experienced runners, so I felt a bit disheartened finishing in 2 hr 30. BUT!!! It didn't matter. Don't let that bog you down like I did. Just get to the end and enjoy getting there.

Getting home afterwards was a bit of a task, but you just have to roll with it and accept that it's a long day and there's not much you can do about it. Plenty time for a rest on the Monday.

I think that's it. Good luck OP! Go!

I think I have my morning toilet plan sorted, then hopefully just a start line wee (hopefully not in a bush!).

I think I’m learning that the end is just what it will be, I’m now stressing about the start! Bin bag and extra layer that can be discarded are on the list, thank you.

I’d be thrilled with 2:30 - well done!

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:03

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 01/09/2023 21:35

@HippyDays Looking good tonight!

THIS GAVE ME GOOSE BUMPS!!!
It really is not long now, but also feels like forever to go!!

OP posts:

ihavespoken · 04/09/2023 11:05

My tip is to join the pens on the left hand carriageway (as you face the start) as there are loads more bushes and trees on that side. Hardly any on the right hand side!
Look out for Elvis in the bus stop at about 11 miles

Enjoy!!

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:07

Twotooto · 01/09/2023 21:49

If you’re getting the metro or the ferry then make sure to get your return ticket in advance as that’s one less queue to join.

There is a bit of waiting about at the start but the atmosphere is amazing. Be careful about setting out too fast, it’s downhill and the adrenaline will be pumping - my one and only sub-8 min mile was the first mile of the GNR one year 😳

Enjoy, it’s an amazing event - Oggie, Oggie, Oggie!!!!

Thank you - I’m sorted with a pre paid wristband for transport, so that is one less worry.

My minute miles are more likely to start with 18 than an 8, I don’t know how legs can physically move that fast. I hope that starting at the back that I’ll be with people setting off slowly which will help me stick to my pace but I think I just need to keep checking my watch a lot until things settle to make sure I’m not rushing off?

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:08

MelonsOnSaleAgain · 01/09/2023 22:02

Oi oi oi

😁

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:10

Dazzledee · 01/09/2023 22:28

I did it last year, it was am amazing experience but I was nowhere near prepared for how many people were there!! I queued for about 45 mins to use the toilet before I started then went through to the actual start and everyone (especially woman) were all peeing on the embankment! Wish I'd never wasted my time queuing as I then needed another pee and just joined everyone doing wild ones! Some kind people stood in front of me! That is my biggest piece of advice!!

Ok this peeing in a bush/on an embankment is DEFINITELY not in the race information. This is inside information I need.
I hope I will have time to queue, I am adding extra time for this to my plan!

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:12

xsquared · 03/09/2023 21:04

Also going to GNR this year, and possibly going by public transport due to missing the club bus ticket sale 🤦🏻‍♀️.

My B plan would be to walk to the start area from Newcastle railway station, which seems straight forward enough.

Journey back, I'm not so sure as I've never taken the Metro from South Shields before. Having googled the journey from South Shields back to Newcastle, the service seems frequent but journey is around 40 minutes. Is the metro station easy to get to from the finish line?

Good luck xsquared! Wave if you see me. I’ll be the one at the back (possibly peeing in a bush)

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:15

WhatFreshHell1 · 03/09/2023 21:30

@xsquared it’s a right trek from Newcastle Central station - much easier to get Metro to Haymarket. Haymarket is closest to start line. If you’re getting metro back afterwards, the queues in south shields will be huge, but they will put on extra metros as long as you don’t mind a wait.

OP - the last mile is the best one! You go down quite a steep hill, round the bend then you’re on the seafront which is lined with people cheering you on. You can see the finish line and there are markers counting down eg 800m, 400m. Previous poster is right about no mobile phone signal. Also, make sure you get your friend to download the app so she can track you! Enjoy every second and take up the offers of free ice pops from the people lining the streets!

I’ve sent her the app information, but that is a good reminder, I need to make sure she has downloaded it.

I’m now doubting I have done enough training. 13 mikes! Eek. That is daunting. I hope I get to that final mile!

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:18

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 04/09/2023 10:41

Get there really early, the loo queues are horrendous and if you miss the time to get into your pen you have to go to the back. Which given how busy it is can be a real pain.
I don’t remember the drive being outrageous but we got the metro back in, got some food and didn’t rush.
The atmosphere is fantastic but it’s pretty congested, so I’d just not worry too much about time and enjoy it.

I think my wave is already at the back, so I need to get my timings right as I will have no back up plan! I think I am going to allow way more time than I had thought and just sit around if necessary. At least I’ll know I’m there.

I’m trying not to think about how bad the loos will be if the queues are as bad as this!

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:20

gamerchick · 04/09/2023 10:58

Trying to get a car even close to the finish line is an utter nightmare OP as are the queues for the metro back. They go right down ocean road.

Your friend could possibly park in Asda south shields and walk down if she gets there early enough. It's a bit of a trek though.

This is great information, thank you. Will check out the Asda location as an option (and she can buy me some mars bars too 😉)

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 11:22

ihavespoken · 04/09/2023 11:05

My tip is to join the pens on the left hand carriageway (as you face the start) as there are loads more bushes and trees on that side. Hardly any on the right hand side!
Look out for Elvis in the bus stop at about 11 miles

Enjoy!!

I can’t believe I’m now planning for the best bushes to wee in 😂 but this is great information thank you!

So if I see Elvis at mile 12, I am not hallucinating, noted!! 🙂

OP posts:

Tittytwisted · 04/09/2023 11:45

Hi OP
I’m a local, have done the GNR multiple times (and will be doing it again this year).

If you’re staying in Tynemouth, get the metro to Haymarket station. It’s the closest to the start line but still a 15 minute walk. There’s plenty loos at the start line - don’t be put off by the huge queues as they go down really quickly.

Trying to get out of S Shields after the race by road is a nightmare. I did it once one year and never again!
Best bet is to make your way to the South Shields Metro and jump on a train. They are putting trains on every 7 minutes to disperse the crowds. They did it last year and it was really good - much better than previous years.

As previous comments have said, the atmosphere is electric. Lots of excellent Marshalls around to help direct you if needed and the other runners are incredibly friendly, supportive and welcoming.
Dont overthink it and enjoy the experience- especially running over the Tyne Bridge. It brings a lump to my throat every time I do it!

brownsauce · 04/09/2023 11:57

Hey,

I don’t have any useful information about parking but I just wanted to say ENJOY EVERY SECOND!
I’ve worked on finish line duties for the last ten years, and there is honestly nothing like it, the atmosphere is amazing, you will talk to so many people on the people on the way round so just have fun!
I’m still hanging out medals at 4.30/5pm as we have an absolutely hundreds of walkers
It’s all very emotional and I do a lot of hugging with crying people who have crossed the finish line.
You will honestly have the best time!

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 12:05

Tittytwisted · 04/09/2023 11:45

Hi OP
I’m a local, have done the GNR multiple times (and will be doing it again this year).

If you’re staying in Tynemouth, get the metro to Haymarket station. It’s the closest to the start line but still a 15 minute walk. There’s plenty loos at the start line - don’t be put off by the huge queues as they go down really quickly.

Trying to get out of S Shields after the race by road is a nightmare. I did it once one year and never again!
Best bet is to make your way to the South Shields Metro and jump on a train. They are putting trains on every 7 minutes to disperse the crowds. They did it last year and it was really good - much better than previous years.

As previous comments have said, the atmosphere is electric. Lots of excellent Marshalls around to help direct you if needed and the other runners are incredibly friendly, supportive and welcoming.
Dont overthink it and enjoy the experience- especially running over the Tyne Bridge. It brings a lump to my throat every time I do it!

Thanks - I’ve abandoned the car at the finish plan, after all the advice on here.

I’m also re-doing my morning timings to allow more time.

Basically rethinking it all 😂

OP posts:

Original poster

HippyDays · 04/09/2023 12:08

brownsauce · 04/09/2023 11:57

Hey,

I don’t have any useful information about parking but I just wanted to say ENJOY EVERY SECOND!
I’ve worked on finish line duties for the last ten years, and there is honestly nothing like it, the atmosphere is amazing, you will talk to so many people on the people on the way round so just have fun!
I’m still hanging out medals at 4.30/5pm as we have an absolutely hundreds of walkers
It’s all very emotional and I do a lot of hugging with crying people who have crossed the finish line.
You will honestly have the best time!

This is amazing to read!

So if I finish in 3 hours (hopefully worst case for me) about 3pm in your experience is it still busy then, or starting to really thin out? I had visions of being on my own down the finish line, but I think it won’t be that bad, but can’t work out how busy it will still be.

Are you going to be there again this year? I hope I reach the medal point!

OP posts:

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 04/09/2023 12:10

You'll be fine - it's a fab atmosphere all day long.

My DD and I are now jeffing - she badly injured her ankle a couple of weeks ago and I'm totally unprepared compared to previous years so we'll be taking it very easy...

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 04/09/2023 12:11

At 3pm there will still be a lot of people on the course - you won't be lonely!

brownsauce · 04/09/2023 12:17

It’s still busy at 3pm so don’t worry about that! I don’t start winding up the bigger medal stations till 4pm so you will be absolutely fine.
I’ll be there to see all 42k over the finish line!

WhatNowBarry · 04/09/2023 14:18

@HippyDays I somehow got my measurements all muddled, both my phone and my watch had me convinced that I was easily doing 12-13 mile training runs, but it turns out the longest run I ever did in preparation was around 10 miles. Hence the wild assumption I could do it in 1hr45. But, I got round! Even if you've only done 8-9 miles in training, the whole atmosphere of the day will get you to the end. I'll be watching at around the 5 mile mark, so will give you a wave if you have a massive I'M HIPPY DAYS FROM MN sign on your running top, ha ha!!!

OrlandointheWilderness · 04/09/2023 14:52

Oh I bloody loved doing it. Take something you don't mind chucking away at the start to keep you warm - an old jumper etc. be prepared that when you finally see the coast you have another mile or so 😂.
Be patient. It's heaving.

Enjoy, it's an incredible buzz!

OrlandointheWilderness · 04/09/2023 14:55

Ohhhh I really wish i wasn't a fat blob sitting on the sofa but was doing it! Next year!!!!

alloutofcareunits · 04/09/2023 16:58

@HippyDays I've ran it several times and marshalled at various points including the starting pens as well as handing out medals at the end. It's a great day, if you're aiming for around 3 hours you absolutely won't be close to being one of the last ti finish, hundreds of not thousands take around 3 hours! Have a fantastic day x

Twotooto · 08/09/2023 22:27

All the best for Sunday @HippyDays

Great North Run - logistic tips

Interested in this thread?